Fish and wildlife management

Managing fish stocks also includes managing species that eat large amounts of fish, such as seals and cormorants. Predatory fish are most affected, especially pike, eel, trout and perch. Protective measures and licensed culling are therefore used to protect fish stocks in sensitive areas, as well as around fishing gear and fish farms.

Protective measures

Protective measures help prevent seals and other predators from catching predatory fish during sensitive periods, such as the spawning season. They are also used to protect fish farms and fishing gear.

Examples of protective measures include acoustic seal deterrents, which produce sounds that seals avoid and can therefore keep them away from a limited area. Seal exclusion nets are made of stainless steel wire mesh and are adapted to the seabed at the installation site. They allow fish to pass through while preventing seals from entering.

Things to consider when using seal protection

• Acoustic seal deterrents are available as mains-powered units, battery-powered units and floating units powered by solar and wind energy.
• Over the coming years, the City of Stockholm will test self-powered acoustic seal deterrents on floating platforms in important spawning areas for species such as trout and pike. Two of these will be installed in Erstaviksbäcken and outside Åvaån in Tyresta.
• Seal exclusion nets should extend from the seabed to above the highest expected water level. Where it is not possible to tension the net, it can be supported with large rotating floats along the top.
• Seal exclusion nets must be clearly marked to prevent collisions. Where boats are allowed to pass, the net must include a section that can be lowered.

Licensed culling

Licensed culling may apply to species that do not normally have an open hunting season or during periods when hunting is otherwise not permitted. Hunting seasons, quotas and requirements for hunters may change, so always check the latest information from the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management, the County Administrative Board or the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency before hunting.

Reporting culled animals correctly helps improve wildlife management and makes it easier to adjust quotas when needed.

Things to consider when carrying out licensed culling

• In addition to using rifles or shotguns, licensed culling can also involve traps and preventive methods such as oiling eggs.
• Apply well in advance if a permit is required, as processing times can be long and culling is often only allowed during a limited period.
• Beaver and seal are game species and require a hunting licence and the landowner's permission. Cormorants are protected under the EU Birds Directive and may only be culled under a licensed culling permit.